What to Wear in Australia

A Message From Helen

I want you to have an amazing vacation. That's why I started WhatToWearOnVacation.com,to help you pack with confidence and stay safe, secure and comfortable.

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General Style Tips

It really is casual all the way in Australia.

Outside of the main cities, our advice would be to not bother with dressy clothes.

However if you plan to visit city restaurants then you may feel more comfortable in smart casual wear.

They say you can even wear jeans to the opera or casinos without getting a second glance - although our experience is that people do make an effort in these venues, and men tend to wear smart suits although no bow ties.

Clothes in natural fibers will work better in the heat and it's worth popping in a lightweight sweater or pashmina for cooler weather or overly fierce air conditioning.

Our advice for must-haves include sunglasses and wear plenty of high factor sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection).

A sunhat is also very useful in the intense sunshine and our packable one is just perfect for traveling.

If you are planning to visit very hot areas then we would recommend that you pack a shirt with long sleeves and a higher neckline, to prevent burning.

Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with camisoles or a t-shirt in warmer weather or a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the cooler months.

What Shoes To Pack

Take comfortable footwear for all the walking (try Hotter shoes, comfy and stylish).

Add in some lovely flip flops or sandals for going out. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range - using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing Tips for Women

A few pieces of costume jewelry will dress up any outfit if you need it.

And a pashmina or sarong is a versatile piece - use it as a beach towel, cover-up from the sun, keep out a chilly breeze or add a bit of 'glam' at any time.

Clothing Tips for Men

If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.

For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Pack for the Weather

June, July and August is the Aussie winter so pop a long-sleeved shirt, sweater and light jacket in for the evenings as it is cooler at around 12/13C.

The summer months of December, January and February are hottest.

We love the Weather+ app - it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too - a nice way to remember your trip :) Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Regions of Australia

If you're planning to visit Melbourne then pop a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella in your bag – it tends to rain quite often.

On the Sunshine coast when the weather's hot (which it mostly is), it's beach wear all the way. And why not buy it there? There's a vast array of styles to choose from, so you're sure to find something that suits you and is a bit different too.

If you're going trekking in the wilderness of Tasmania on the World Heritage Overland Track, make sure you have comfortable, well-broken-in sturdy footwear, and pack light. Take a good head torch, and also take antihistamine cream in case you get a painful bite from the aggressive jumping jack ants. If you travel outside of the main trekking season (November, December, January, February, March and April) conditions will be particularly tough.

Long distance train travel is a relaxing way to see some remote areas and cover the vast distances of this great country. There are various classes of budget/comfort, but it's always handy to have a Swiss army knife and small roll of gaffer tape to fix rattling windows and the like, plus a cloth in case you need to clean the window. Also don't forget high SPF sun screen (some stops are very remote, very exposed and very hot), good insect/mosquito repellent and warm layers for the train - the air-con can be very strong.

Other Things To Pack

Travel light and buy your toiletries there.

A soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase if you plan to travel around - it's easier to fit into the small planes or transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.

Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees - use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Especially if you're after a pair of Ugg boots... or you could look for kangaroo leather products and there's plenty of popular confectionery to tempt you.

But when arriving in Australia make very sure you are not carrying food of any description in your suitcases or carry-on luggage. The search dogs have a very acute sense of smell and they will find it and you may be fined, which is not a great way to start your trip.

Last updated 16 December 2016.

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Advice You Can Trust

I think your site is very appealing and is a helpful resource. You confirmed my thoughts about Australia being a very casual country. I will be using your check-list to help me pack for my upcoming trip.